Computer Graphics World

6 October 2008 PRODUCT: MODELING•ANIMATION Maxon Raises Bar with Cinema 4D R11 Maxon Computer unveiled Cinema 4D Release 11 (R11), the next generation of its 3D animation software suite, which offers non-linear animation, a boost in rendering speed and quality, re- engineered global illumination that takes advantage of current algorithms and hardware, and a new paint system, developed by Maxon for Sony Pictures Imageworks. The release also supports the Collada fi le format and CineMan, a RenderMan- compliant tool that connects to Pixar's rendering solution. Additionally, multiple improvements were made to Maxon's popular texture-painting tool set, BodyPaint 3D Release 4. ProjectionMan allows artists to quickly project a painting onto geometry in a scene, simplifying even the most complex setups, which can be easily organized within a single Photo- shop fi le. As a result, painters can focus less on the mechanics of the shot and spend more time creating beautiful imagery. Cinema 4D R11 also boasts an all-new Cocoa-based archi- tecture supporting 64-bit processing under Mac OS X Leop- ard. Further, the release contains optimized render control settings, animation ghosting, a doodle tool, and support for 3Dconnexion devices. The offering began shipping last month for $995 (Core), $2495 (XL Bundle), and $3695 (Studio Bundle). PRODUCT: MODELING•ANIMATION Autodesk Updates Product Lines Autodesk celebrated the 10th anniversary of Maya by introduc- ing Maya 2009, which includes a number of advancements in modeling, animation, rendering, and effects that maximize productivity and optimize workfl ow. The company also unveiled new versions of its other 3D modeling products. Among the highlights in Maya 2009 are tools to better manage complex scenes, including the new Maya Assets tool- set for encapsulating a set of nodes into a single container, a new Render Proxy feature within Mental Ray, additional multi- threading capabilities and algorithms for boosting simulation and rendering performance, and stereo-production capabili- ties. In addition, the software offers a new nParticles simulation module and Muscle feature set. Maya 2009 will be available this month for $1995 for Maya Complete (standalone) and $4995 for Maya Unlimited (standalone). Upgrade pricing is also available. The company also rolled out the fi rst extension release for 3ds Max 2009 and 3ds Max Design 2009, which include new particle effects capabilities for more realism through PFlowAd- vanced technology. Furthermore, the update will allow artists to add multi-track audio and sound effects directly into their animated scenes via ProSound technology. And, the new ProOptimizer technology allows artists to optimize high-poly count 3D models, giving them more control over the faces or points in the scene or model. The extension is available now for download to Autodesk Subscription customers only. In addition, Autodesk unveiled its MotionBuilder 2009, which sports a real-time simulation tool set for perform- ing rigid-body dynamic simulations inside the software. Support for real-time collisions prevents the interpenetration of characters, objects, and other scene elements. A ragdoll solver lets users perform simulations dynamically, controlling the character's behavior by layering animation on top of the sim. Moreover, Autodesk has enhanced the product's support for other leading DCC applications for tighter integration across production pipelines, and has improved the real-time rendering in the viewport. MotionBuilder 2009 will also be available this month for $3995. Lastly, the fi rm launched Mudbox 2009, which includes new texture-painting tools for painting multiple diffuse, bump, specu- lar, and refl ections directly on 3D models. This version includes a host of rendering technologies that leverage the OpenGL API and the power of the latest graphics cards. The product will be available in October as well; it will sell for $745.

• Cover